It’s already almost 2:00 and I am finally getting to my Monday morning post!  At least it is still morning in Hawaii!?!  However, I have good reason for not posting until now.  I am living with discipline these days!  

For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline. ~1 Timothy 1:6-7

As I arrived at my local coffee shop this morning, I had a list of seven things which I thought I needed to accomplish today, my blogging was sixth on that list, and low and behold, I have kept to the list!  

Though Paul probably did not intend, “list making” as the self-discipline for Timothy, it is clear that Timothy was to be bold with his self-discipline.  Timothy apparently struggled with timidity, his young age and perhaps even speaking boldly. He was given the instruction to fan into flame these things.  I love that word picture.  

Having recently returned from Southern California were able to see the fire damage from the Santa Ana winds in SoCal.  It’s amazing that a small spark can consume so much when aided by the wind.  I believe my life, and your life, can do the same.  Only, we’re not talking damage, we’re talking consuming influence (aided by the wind of the Holy Spirit).

My faith foundation thought today: discipline.  I hope I can fan into flame a life of self-discipline.  I don’t want to live by lists; but I do desire to accomplish the things He desires for me to do.  Rather than jumping from project to project, I am learning (which means please give me time to perfect this) to start and finish a project (even in the same setting). My hope is to be disciplined in my study, in my prayer life, in my waiting on God.  I want to live with bold self-discipline as Paul urged his son in the faith, Timothy.

Grace,
Brian